19 May Introducing A Non-Invasive Solution for Gum Recession: Pinhole Surgical Technique
We’ve got good news for those with gum recession issues: your condition may not need invasive surgical procedures!
Medical Arts Dental is now offering a revolutionary, minimally invasive treatment called Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST)!
Nearly half of the adult population of the United States has varying intensities of periodontal disease, a disease that causes inflammation of the gums and damages the gum tissue and bone, according to data from the Center for Disease Control. This percentage only goes up with aging populations, proving that this is likely an issue for the average American.
Curious about what causes periodontal disease in this percentage of the population? Here are some of the more common culprits:
Aggressive brushing of teeth: Brushing too hard can grind away at your gums
Infrequent dental visits: Certain plaque can only be removed by professional cleanings, making those who don’t visit at risk
Tobacco use: Using tobacco leads to increased plaque build up
Hormonal fluctuation: Odd but true, hormones can make gums more sensitive
Grinding and clenching teeth: Gums recede when under pressure, including pressure that you put on them
Crooked teeth: When teeth are not properly aligned, it can cause undue pressure on your teeth
Body piercing near the teeth: Your piercings can rub and agitate your gums, increasing sensitivity
Fortunately for those struggling with periodontal disease, there is now a simpler, less intensive treatment for this condition right here in your neighborhood.
How Does This Procedure Work?
Here’s a great explanation of the procedure given by Dentistry IQ:
A small pinhole is created by piercing the mucosa apical to the mucogingival junction in the area of recession, and specialized instruments are inserted through that hole to elevate a full thickness “flap” in an apico-coronal direction. Once the periosteum is elevated from the underlying bone and tooth, it can be easily pushed coronally. In lieu of stitches and soft-tissue grafts, collagen strips are inserted through the pinhole, under the gingiva, and into the interproximal spaces and facial surfaces of the previously exposed roots. Voilà! The tissue is supported at the new position with the collagen assisting in tissue stabilization during healing to ensure root coverage.
This procedure is popular because of its remarkable improvements compared to traditional gum grafting procedures. The main benefit is that the Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST) is reported to be greatly less painful than the grafting method. With minor pinholes as the only invasive portion of the PST procedure (compared to larger tissue transfer in the grafting), you will feel less pain and will not need stitches that can prolong the pain. Patients of the PST method also enjoy the increased speed of the procedure and the immediate cosmetic benefits upon leaving the surgery.
Ready to see if you are a good candidate for the Pinhole Surgical Technique procedure? Contact Medical Arts Dental to set up an appointment for an initial assessment.